House of Fifty & Family Command Center Ideas

It’s here! The new online magazine, House of Fifty by Janell Beals of Isabella & Max’s Rooms is live and fabulous. From meal planning to flower arranging to tips for creating a delightful nursery – there is a little something for all readers.

I was thrilled to help Janell find some chic products for her family command center that coincides with a great article, Creating a Family Command Center by Pauline Wiles.

Congrats Janell! We love it!

Interview with Serena & Lily

It’s no secret, I am a huge Serena & Lily fan. The Marin California-based company launched in 2004 with 14 bedding sets, 30 original fabric patterns and a look for the nursery that we were all craving. Just a few months earlier, Serena Dugan, a textile designer and artist, met Lily Kanter, a corporate refugee turned baby boutique owner and found they both shared aesthetic and vision of the baby’s room reinvented. Today, Serena & Lily offer much much more than nursery room bedding and décor. Their collection now includes a line of upholstered furniture, VOC paints and breath-taking fabrics to name a few.

Simplified Bee: Initially, your business offered chic nursery bedding parents were craving. Since then the collection has evolved into other areas of the home. This spring you debuted a new upholstered sofa line. Tell us why and what you love.

Serena & Lily: Having been successful with occasional chairs, we decided to expand into the larger furniture area with two brand new sofa collections, each with matching occasional char. Each represents what we feel is the "best" choice for two different design styles – the Miramar is more casual/relaxed and the Spruce Street is more formal/structured. We designed every detail from the just-right seat depth to the leg colors and distance between nailheads. They are both available in a gorgeous range of 40+ fabrics, including some of our signature prints. We like to think we did all of the legwork so that your search for the perfect sofa is finally over!

SB: What's one of your favorite pieces from the current spring catalog?

S&L: We fell in love with the Canyon Chair the minute we discovered a seasoned artisan meticulously tacking each nailhead by hand at our North Carolina manufacturer’s factory. It is truly a work of art!  Covered in gorgeous cowhide, it compliments any decor, and feels completely unique.

SB: Your Bazaar Online Sale has been a huge hit. Tell us how it came about. 

S&L: We  receive  so many calls about the props used in our catalogs, because our customers want to decorate their homes with the same unique, statement pieces.  By offering this rotating collection of items in our online Bazaar, we’re giving our customers the thrill of the hunt we experience on our travels without leaving the comfort of their own homes.  We believe that these unique objects are what make a home special.

 

SB: I am a huge fan of Serena & Lily’s stylish and unexpected storage options. Any tips on how you keep your homes organized without scarifying beauty?

S&L: We definitely believe that you can conquer clutter in style.  Instead of relying on traditional shelving to stow toys and other odds-and-ends, we try to get creative with boxes, bins, baskets—even re-purposing and old suitcase can work. We like to think of storage as a another design element in the room.   We love our Senegalese storage baskets  because they add a pop of color to the room and add functionality in such an artful way. 

SB: Your textiles are gorgeous. I love that many are available by the yard. What inspires the designs and color palettes?

Serena: Before Lily & I met, I was a decorative painter and textile designer.  It has always been my nature to find visual interest in the things around me—whether it be the façade of an old building, or a color combination I see on a walk along the water.  I notice these things and they start to click together and become inspiration for designs.  I try to pay attention and observe—I believe that you truly can find inspiration in everyday life.

SB: How has motherhood shaped your designs?

Lily: Serena & I have always shared a certain vision for the baby’s room—one that is fresh and style-driven and not shy of color and pattern.  It blends simplicity with sophistication.  As mothers, we wanted to reinvent this look for our children’s rooms, which of course eventually evolved into a more comprehensive approach to the whole home. 

SB: I am thrilled you offer a low-VOC paint collection. How else are you embracing “green” design? 

S&L: We try to make healthy, environmentally-responsible choices whenever possible. We love the low-VOC paint collection for that reason. We also work with an excellent furniture partner that uses all sustainable materials & processes for all of our upholstered furniture. We have an organic crib mattress that is an absolute must-have for the nursery. Several of our best baby gifts are made from 100% organic cotton, which makes them gifts we all feel good about giving. 

SB: What is your advice on selecting a paint color?

S&L: Color sets the mood in a room.  A more vivid shade creates energy while a softer palette sets a soothing tone.  But people react to color on a very personal level. Our best advice is to select a color that makes your heart sing and then build a room around it.

SB: Serena & Lily can be found on Facebook and Twitter. Has social media been a good marketing tool for you?

S&L: Yes, we’ve loved connecting with our customers who are our fans. We love when they share pictures of rooms in their homes so we can see how they’ve used our products in their own personal way.

 

SB: Fill in the blank. No room is complete without… 

S&L: a comfy throw blanket.

SB: What’s next for Serena & Lily?

S&L: Very soon you will see new products for summer in a beautiful, fresh new palette. New options for storage and playroom, enhanced "mix & match" bedding options - including a fabulous online design tool - and more rugs, decor and seating options for all rooms in the house. We are also expanding Bazaar, both in scope & frequency. So check back soon to see it all - it launches May 5th!!! 

Coffee Table Decorating and Styling Tips

{Designer Ken Fulk}

Tucked between sofas and chairs, the coffee table can help a space achieve equilibrium. Although known as a staple in living or family rooms, coffee tables are also found in other areas of the home such as bedrooms, offices and sunrooms. Regardless of the location, decorating a coffee table’s surface is an essential element in completing  the room’s overall look.

{Designer: Tobi Fairley}

It may seem elementary, but artfully styling a coffee table takes careful consideration.  It’s easy to plop down some coffee table books, fresh flowers and a tray, but it may not be pleasing to the eye. When selecting items to decorate the surface, keep in mind basic principles of design including scale, balance, rhythm and harmony. Taking these design principles into consideration, here are some tips for decorating a coffee table:

{Designer: Palmer Weiss}

Evaluate Scale. Take into consideration the scale or visual weight of your coffee table and the other furnishing that embody the space. The example above, by interior designer Palmer Weiss, incorporates a round glass coffee table, which has less visual weight than the surrounding furnishings. To compliment the table’s scale, shape and material, Palmer selects three groups of items; a decorative plate, fresh flowers and a couple books – all heavier in visual weight than the coffee table itself. Notice the coral & white fresh flowers subtly pick up on the pillow’s hue – this is not an accident. The floral arrangement also adds height to the grouping without blocking the view of the TV, fireplace or guests’ faces. The round plate picks up on similar colors in the space, but more importantly repeats the circle patterns throughout the space. The magnifying glass placed on the coffee table books adds a touch of whimsy and that magical third element to the grouping. One design trick, which Palmer uses here, is to arrange accessories in groups and multiples of three.
     

{Designer: Hillary Thomas; Photo credit: Patrick Cline via Lonny Magazine}

Strike Visual Harmony. Designer, Hillary Thomas also used a trio of compatible items to create a harmonious look on this square coffee table. Again, fresh flowers in various shades of pink and red pick up on pair of ikat pillows {keep plants. A small round tea light breaks up the straight lines of the table and adds a romantic touch. {If you have small children or pets, please be careful when lighting candles on a coffee table – for safety reasons candles should be kept out of reach.} This time a pair of coffee table books are grounded with Foo Dogs. The Asian figurines compliment in style, texture and color the garden stools placed in front of the sofa.
    

{Designer: Tobi Fairley}

Achieve Balance. In the formal seating room above, designer Tobi Fairley creates a symmetrical balance by placing matching chairs, side tables and table lamps on either side of the sofa. The pair of books and glass art accessories selected to decorate the coffee table breaks the room’s formal symmetry, creating visual balance and interest.    
  

{Designer: Hillary Thomas; Photo credit: Patrick Cline via Lonny Magazine}

Above designer, Hillary Thomas using a large square tufted ottoman as a coffee table in this family room. A contrasting black lacquer tray is the perfect accessory to unify and showcase other decorative items. The asymmetrical arrangement of the stone horse figurine, book and succulent plant creates a visual balance. This informal balance can be difficult to achieve for some and there are no set of rules as to what is right or wrong. Many times it requires patience and plenty of trial and error to get it right.    

{photo credit: Thibault Jeanson via House Beautiful}

Create Rhythm.  Here designers, Hattie Wolfe and Abby Rizor place a large Indonesian bowl on a stout wooden coffee table. While some may argue the scale of the bowl is too large, it works not only because the repetition it provides in color & texture, but its contrasting round form creates rhythm in the space. I am not sure how this bowl was acquired, but showcasing treasures from your travels is always a wonderful way to make a space personal and act as a great conversation starter.

What do you think are the most important design principles to keep in mind while styling a coffee table?

Are you looking for more design advice on styling your home? If so, you may enjoy reading: 

Tips on Decorating the Fireplace Mantel,  
Tips on Styling a Bookcase Like an Interior Designer or  
Tips for Styling a Living Room.

West Elm Summer Collections–Sneak Peak & Minted Giveaway Winner

Longing for warmer weather and alfresco entertaining? If so, you are going to love this.


Here’s a sneak peak at West Elm’s collections for summer 2011. I’m digging the casual elegance, worldly touches and fresh blue & white color combos.

 
In particular, the wall art by Lourdes Sanchez and dinnerware by David Stark is very exciting to see.

The collections will go on sale March 29th. Congrats West Elm! You hit the ball out of the park! 

Now onto some more exciting news - the winner of the $50 gift certificate to Minted {fabulous online stationary store}. Out of 66 eligible comments, tea cozy {#66} was selected from Random.org. Congrats and enjoy!

A huge thank you to Minted for sponsoring this wonderful giveaway. Be sure to drop by to take a look at all the fun new designs, like these darling birth announcements.

Happy Friday!

Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?

Today I am so excited to have four more talented and very crafty design bloggers participate in the fourth,  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?  Kate Riley of Centsational Girl, Stefanie of Brooklyn Limestone, Megan of Honey We’re Home, and Layla Palmer of The Lettered Cottage {all amazing DIYers} were asked to design a look around the Bailey Bench from Jayson Home & Garden by incorporating four or so  home décor items of their choosing.

This chic upholstered bench with with hand-rubbed black mahogany and antique bronze nailheads is 61"W x 20.5"D x 18"H. 

{Kate’s from Centsational Girl}

"When Cristin asked me to design a room around the Bailey bench, I immediately began dreaming of a 'money is no object' serene and sophisticated bedroom space, one I would surely design just for me if I was a single gal with a large bank account!  Cool grays, crisp white, soft teals, golden hues, mixed with linen fabrics and the softest patterned textiles.  I love so many of these accessories, I may have to sneak some of them into my own shared master bedroom!"

Sources: Eclipse chandelier from Z Gallerie, Filmore headboard {mist} by Serena & Lily,   Italian sheeting by Restoration Hardware, White lacquer nightstand from Era Interiors {pair to flank the bed}, Peacock azure pillow by Dwell Studio, Capri bottle lamp {gray} by Jonathan Adler, Circle fret rug by Dash & Albert, Devon mirror from Z Gallerie.

{Stefanie’s from Brooklyn Limestone}

“Hi everyone - its Mrs. Limestone of Brooklyn Limestone here.  As far as I'm concerned, nothing is better than imaginary shopping - all of the fun and none of the guilt!

Don't ask me why but this lovely bench made me think of Paris.  And for a travel lover like me, there is nothing better than decorating around wonderful memories abroad.

I imagined a glamorous couple that has fabulous yet intimate dinner parties with the best food, wine and company. This space would be just off their impossibly gorgeous kitchen - a spacious eat in area with a French twist - perfect for reading the paper and eating croissant or throwing a fabulous fete.” The space would include lots of flicking candles on the flat surfaces and lots of black and white travel photography covering the walls.

Sources: Marble top dining table, Oversized clock from Restoration Hardware,  Window treatments in Summer Palance Fret fabric, reclaimed herringbone floors,  Sideboard from Wisteria, a pair of Louis XVI square back side chairs from Ballard Designs, Glass pendant lighting by Pottery Barn, Paris B&W photography by Mrs. Limestone.

{Megan’s from Honey We’re Home}

“I started with the bed, feeling that the streamlined bedposts paired well with the legs of the beautiful bench.  I then added the suzani inspired rug for a graphic punch.  I’ve had my eye on those octagonal horn mirrors forever and since they are only 12 inches, thought they would look great in a pair, stacked on top of each other.  The mirrored side table and chandelier brought in the glamour.  Feeling Spring on the horizon, I wanted to add a bit of color with the pink pillows and tulips.  The aqua patterned drapes complete the look."

Sources: Oly Studio Willa bed from Layla Grace, Tuxedo chandelier from Z Gallerie, Park mirrored dresser from Pottery Barn, Octagonal horn mirrors from Wisteria, Flower bowl by Kate Spade, Drapes by Cococozy, Throw pillows by Fabricadabra & Cococozy, Rug from Wisteria.

{Layla’s from the Lettered Cottage}

“The bench has sort of a "yesterday-meets-today" feel. The lines are classic, but the finishes and colors are contemporary. What a great combination!  I chose a variety of items that spoke to both styles. An industrial-looking dresser from Anthropologie that says, "Hi. I'm old- but check out the big, bold graphics on my drawer fronts." A button-tufted, but boxy-shaped, charcoal-gray suede headboard from West Elm. Smooth and shiny bedside lamps, with rough and rustic shades from Pottery Barn. Crisp, white bedding (complete with little gray pinstripes) from Restoration Hardware, paired with a vintage-washed gray quilt (also RH) and colorful, and boldy-patterned, accent pillows from Luna Bazaar. And because I love the way plants bring movement and life into a room, I threw in a few mossy terra cotta pots filled with fresh greenery. :-) ”

Sources: Headboard material faux suede in charcoal herringbone from West Elm, Anthropologie Dresser, Navy & white throw pillows, White and gray bedding from Restoration Hardware, Gray quilt from Restoration Hardware, Mercury glass lamps from Pottery Barn.

A big thank you and hug to Kate, Stefanie, Megan and Layla for participating in this series!

Each design is gorgeous in my book. Which one catches your eye?

CSN Stores $75 Giveaway

It's time for another great giveaway! This time I’m hosting a giveaway from CSN Stores. CSN Stores is a website comprised of over 200 online stores where you can find everything from stylish handbags, to modern rugs or great cookware! As you can see above, CSN Stores offers lots of gorgeous items for your home.

The giveaway that CSN Stores have so kindly offered to Simplified Bee® readers is a $75 gift certificate to use at any of the 200 + stores online. The winner must be located in the US or Canada.

Here’s how to enter:

• Leave a comment. {provide your email if I don't have a way to contact you}.
• Extra Entry - become a new follower of Simplified Bee's Blog, Twitter or Facebook Page.
• Extra Entry - mention this giveaway in a blog post, FB link or tweet, then leave a comment letting me know.
• Please post a separate comment for each extra entry.
• Entry period closes at 9 p.m. PST on Tuesday, February 22, 2011. The winner will be chosen by Random.org.

Happy decorating and good luck!

The JuJu Hat: Are you over it?

Last night I was watching Dear Genevieve on my DVR. Genevieve was decorating a small office, the focal point of which was going to be a juju hat. And it got me thinking how fascinating it is that these feathered Camaroonian ceremonial headdresses (also known as tyns) have become the darlings of the design world. How in the heck did that happen? Sure, they add a wonderful pop of color and texture to  a wall and are a fun conversation piece. But now, with their debut on HGTV, they've officially gone mainstream.

So the question I have for you is: are you over it? I'll be honest, I've got mixed feelings on the subject. I hate the idea of spending several hundred bucks on what is probably just the next "Keep Calm" trend and yet I can't deny their ability to add some wonderful color and texture to a space -- as all of these wonderful examples show.

Sally Wheat (via High Gloss)

As an avid fan of bright color, I can't help but be drawn to the bright orange juju hat against the soft gray walls. The color also ties in nicely with the orange flowers on the mantle. Sometimes, it just takes a little splash of bold color to make a big statement.

Laura Day

Another brilliant red-orange example, this time against a bright yellow wall. There's just something so incredibly happy about these colors; this is a room that could make even doing your taxes less chore-like.

Jenn Cranston (via Canadian House and Home)

In a room full of whites and neutrals, the white juju hat adds a nice touch of texture (essential for keeping a neutral space from being a total snooze fest).

Elizabeth Martin (via Elle Decor)

I've got to say, I'm falling more and more in love with orange everyday -- especially when played off against blues or grays. It just feels incredibly fresh and sophisticated but still (and I think this is so important in design) fun. The hat's African origins compliment the other exotic accessory choices, including the zebra skin rug.

Alessandra Branca

This pink and chocolate brown lounge is an all-time favorite of mine -- and I only just noticed it sports a white juju hat on the wall! I think the white juju plays up the crisp white trim nicely and really pops against the hot pink walls. It's also a fun mix with the Chinoiserie print chairs and traditional furnishings.

LivingEtc

Of all the examples of juju hats I found, this bubblegum pink (with a dash of black) version might be my favorite. It fits perfectly over the asymmetrical fireplace and is balanced nicely by the narrow tapestry in the adjacent niche.

Hout Bay Manor, South Africa

Two red jujus, one over each doorway, are a nice way to highlight the red trim around the walls. I must say though that what I'm most drawn to in this room is that stunning floral artwork over the sofa, which is really just stunning.

Photograph by Melanie Acevedo

I love the bright, warm colors of this room, which are nicely tempered by the white walls and neutral sofa. I'm a big fan of very traditional Victorian spaces painted out in white and decorated in a modern, colorful style. It just always seems to work.

The rich jewel tones of this room are fantastic. Despite the fact that nothing "matches," all the bright colors work so beautifully together because they're all the same level of saturation. The lack of print (save for the over scale floral of the rug) keeps the noise level down as well. Could all this be achieved without a juju? Absolutely, but it's a eclectic touch that works well with the Moroccan pouf, midcentury chair and loveseat and the very ornate console. By the way, I have no idea who to credit this room to. If you know, please share so I can give proper credit!

Where to Buy. If you're not over this trend, there are a number of good e-stores that carry jujus in a variety of colors and deliver internationally:

Laviva Home (USA)
Table Tonic (Australia)
Design My World (UK)

So now that I've shown you some examples, I want your opinion.

poll by twiigs.com